Deaths of three women in sea at Brighton had no criminal involvement, police say

The deaths of three sisters found in the sea off Brighton beach did not involve any criminality or third-party involvement, police have concluded.

The bodies of Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, from Uxbridge, west London, were found on 13 May. A postmortem conducted that month confirmed all three women died by drowning.

Specialist detectives worked to trace the sisters’ final movements and understand how they came to be in the water that morning, Sussex police said.

The investigation found all three women were dropped off by taxi at Madeira Drive, the road running along Brighton Beach, at 10.20pm on 12 May, wearing everyday clothing.

No evidence was found to suggest they visited any nightclubs or local businesses in the area at the time and the investigation concluded all three women entered the water near to where their bodies were found, the police spokesperson added.

A spokesperson for the force said: “The purpose of the police investigation was to identify any evidence of criminal offending linked to how the sisters came to be in the water or their subsequent deaths.

“We can confirm the thorough police investigation has not found any evidence of a crime being committed or involvement by a third party.”

Additional details such as the sisters’ specific movements before their deaths and their potential reasons for entering the water will be considered during the East Sussex coroner’s inquest.

Ch Supt Adam Hays said his force had been “acutely aware of the speculation surrounding this incident” and “concerns raised by black communities surrounding the deaths of black people in or near bodies of water”.

He said: “Jane, Rebecca and Christina’s tragic deaths sparked a national outpouring of grief, and I would like to thank everyone who supported our investigation by coming forward with information. We will now support the coronial process and ask that the sisters’ family continue to be given privacy to come to terms with their loss.”

After the sisters’ deaths, their father, Joseph Jacobson, said there were days when the grief felt unbearable but that he held on to the memories they had shared and “the bond that death can never take away”.

In a statement released through Sussex police, Jacobson said: “Jane, Christina and Becky were more than daughters to me: they were my joy, my strength and the beautiful light that filled our family with happiness and love.

“Each of you was unique and precious in your own special way. Your smiles brightened dark days, your laughter brought comfort and your presence made life more meaningful. Though your time on Earth was short, the impact you made will remain in our hearts for ever.”

A GoFundMe online fundraiser for the women’s funerals has received more than 2,200 donations from members of the public, totalling nearly £46,000.